Newsletter November 2017

Eleven down and one to go

Pictures from a Bygone age

Flavio Papa scored 43 points to finish first in a Tuesday competition but didn’t qualify for a prize because he is not a member!! Fake news?

$450 million for this?

Fast forward to November

It is said that time flies but we tend to forget we are the navigators? Some allocated their time well on the 7th. on Asia, with Wendy Fretwell notching up a praiseworthy 40 points, ahead of Monique Peters 37, and Sylvia McGarvie on 35.

A happy Wendy

“Mr. Handicap” AKA David Wilson narrowly held off Brian Garvey by virtue of his better handicap, both finishing on 37 points. Not entirely discontented by his efforts was Brian Farmer on 36, happy to add his familiar smile to that of the day’s winner on the subsequent Saturday rostrum.

For BG read PE

What happened on Europa 4/11?

The answer is short and simple. Not much. The weather was awful. Loads of overnight rain and still coming down as those players who hadn’t already made a decision set out. Bravely or foolishly. One group managed four holes, amazingly, and were deservedly soaked through, but most came in after just one or two. An early decision would have seemed sensible but was not forthcoming.

A friendly reminder

That all photographs can be enlarged simply by clicking on them. This does not apply to imported pictures.

Rules are now all the rage it seems

Les Wicks has now introduced the subject to Thursday’s RollUp participants and, being the ambitious person he is, would like to extend his audience and tickle the thought buds of our readers. For a while at least the newsletter will carry a question or three early in its pages, and the answers towards the end of your read. Assuming you get that far. So, here we go then.

Q. In stroke play a competitor who plays out of turn is penalised two strokes. TRUE or FALSE?
Q. On a very windy day, after replacing his ball on the green, a player grounds his putter behind the ball. A short time later the ball moves slightly in the direction the wind is blowing. What is the ruling? A – One stroke penalty and replace ball. B – One stroke penalty and play ball from new position. C – No penalty and play ball from new position.
Q. In stroke play a competitor removes a stake defining out of bounds on his line of play but then replaces it before playing his next stroke. What is the ruling?

Poor old Tonto

It must have been quite boring being the only friend of The Lone Ranger, whose name has now crept into our golfing diary and might even be responsible for a format which is, shall we say, less than stimulating? America was a very chilly campo as the Remembrance Day Weekend got underway early on the 11th. Quite a few sweaters on parade but it didn’t rain so play proceeded according to plan, albeit unexcitingly.

First home with a winning 81 points were (l/r) Iain Macaulay, Jenny Chesterton, David Wilson, John Mills

A little way back but in second place with 74 were (l/r) Laura Thompson, Hans Linderborg, Jill Davies, Richard Ledgard

Close behind in forth place with 72 were (l/r)John Youngs, Mervi Linderborg, Caz Rosselli, Alan Jewett

A fond farewell

Ken Flockhart, until recently our genial Managing Director, has left for pastures new. He was a very popular figure so we wish him well wherever life’s path takes him and his family.

Members in action

Lady Champion

Here follows a submitted report, unsolicited but very welcome.

The Finalists

Two problems solved

Hot on the heels of her success came news that Monique Peters had accepted an invitation to be Vice Captain to Felima O’Callaghan in 2018. We congratulate her and wish her well.
Meanwhile she will be relieved to hear that Paul O’Callaghan is not seeking compensation for his big toe she crushed with her buggy in the car park recently.

Nostalgic dreams

As someone who played soccer very regularly into his late 40’s there comes a distinct tug at the heart strings every time the La Cala training ground comes in view. Just now it is looking great. Lush, green, newly painted lines, and very tempting. Must be wonderful to be a young professional sent here with his team for a winter break, staying in a nice hotel, with excellent facilities at your disposal. Thinking about buying myself some new boots!!

Forgetable medal

Europa on the 14th will stay in mind for three reasons. Firstly, my programmed partner didn’t turn up. Secondly it left me to play with two highly proficient ladies, which should have been a pleasure. (In fact there were six female members in attendance as action began on the first early morning tee.)Thirdly, and frustratingly, my body decided to go on strike, slowly getting the better of my game until, come the 7th enough was enough. Time to leave my engaging companions and head for home, another n/r to my name.

Elsewhere, in very good playing conditions, others were excelling. None more so than Peter Penney, he of the temporary beard and miniature pork pie hat, his nett 67 already qualifying him for Finals Day almost a year hence! Also winning him a cut of 1.2 to 15.7.
Quietly solid in his game Robert Mason earned second spot with 68 and was cut 0.9 to 15

The long and the short triumphant together

In the Ladies’ section very familiar rostrum visitors were to the fore. Neither Isabella Rippinger 68 (cut 1.1 to 18.1) nor Val Wicks 72 (cut 2.3 to 20.1)were available for the prize giving but Anne Mills, who came second but so narrowly, on handicap, with a 68 (cut 2.3 to 20.1), was available to show her pleasure alongside Peter Edstrom, unexpectedly called into Prize Giving duty because of Thomas’ indisposition.

Still no explanation forthcoming

Of speculation and guesswork there is an abundance.. AM.AM and PRO.AM are clear but for what does AM.AM.AM stand? The question is posed for the umpteenth time. Not that any of the players taking part in this format were really bothered, mind you! There was some conjecture that it related to the fact that two scores counted on all but the par 3 holes where three scores were needed. Couldn’t follow that one though.

Changing track it must be recorded that this was a truly lovely day for playing golf. Everyone will have enjoyed it except our Vice Captain Thomas Widegren who was taken ill on the course, his suspect heart thought to be the cause. 36 hours later, as this report takes shape, no further news is available but it is hoped to be able to update members soon with what we all obviously hope will be positive tidings.
(LATER. Good news. Thomas is alive, well, and sending emails.)
The better news is that Thomas’ team won with a very good score of 105 points. Checking the score card led to some discussion(Where were you when wanted, David Wilson!)and the decision finally made by Captain Peter that the victory should stand. Proposal carried almost unanimously despite a couple of loud but friendly protestations from the floor of the House.

Twice during the post match social gathering the Captain drew attention to the extra work caused by those who withdraw at short notice with poor reasons. The second outburst was the stronger and there can be little doubt that he understandably takes exception to a disease which is apparently growing. “No shows” were not forgotten either. Basically the request, which shouldn’t really be necessary, is for members to check their diaries BEFORE putting their names down to play.

Sexual Harrassment

A buggy was recently shared with a lady of considerable standing in our ranks who, having listened to me drone on about my hips and back, laid a sympathetic and fleeting hand on my knee. Once was when such friendly gestures were commonplace, indicative only of genuine concern or friendship. Now the media does its best to strip the goodness away. Great shame. What would Leapy Lee make of it all?

Things are looking up

October’s edition set a new record for viewing hits and a trickle of complimentary emails, so your editor’s mood is cheered somewhat.

But not for all

Susan Calman, after weeks of suffering delusions of adequacy, has returned to the Highlands, and not before time some might say. Especially Kevin, who seems a nice sort of chap, and deserved better.

Seniors v Duquesa

The pictures below show the two teams enjoying the usual post match camaraderie, and wine, but little is known about the games other than we won at home 2-1 and lost away by a similar score. David Moody, Thomas Widegren, Roger Dew, John Brooks, Peter Penny played in both, the one change being Peter Marler for Peter Edstrom.

CUDECA

Everyone at La Cala knows what a wonderful service is provided by this local charity. As a club we have raised a lot of money over the years, and as individuals too probably. Even so their needs are never ending and they are currently looking for new places to allocate collection tins. We have had one in D9 for many years and it is amazing how quickly they fill if you ditch your small change at the end of the day. The person responsible at Cudeca is Natalia Aparicio Lombardo – huchas@cudeca.org – 663 083 460. Or, if it helps in any way, we visit the Fuengirola shop frequently so are quite happy to collect/deliver cans BUT they do need to be ordered so a call to Natalia to set the ball rolling would be lovely.

Perfect golfing weather

Although the early and late temperature levels are noticeably lower this has been a really gorgeous month for La Cala golfers. We don’t always remember to indulge ourselves, pause for a moment on course, and appreciate the views, but when we do the reward is more than worth the small effort. We can mumble about the buggy paths, and untidy areas, but overall we are a lucky bunch.

Campo America on the 21st saw 67 players in action and the need for an extra tee time. Those who made most use of the conditions included Val and Les Wicks, both burning brightly, with scores of 39 and 36 respectively. Val’s best score of the day earned her a cut of 1.2 to 21.7. Lilley Lagerwerf came second with 37 (down 0.4 to 18.1), followed by Wendy Fretwell, in sparkling form all month, on 34.

Memory suggests that this may be the first time Joop Peels has topped the male leaderboard but, right or wrong, it’s good to see this ever smiling member up there. Of course there is a price to pay for an excellent round, in this case 0.8 to 25.4. Well played, Joop. Must be something in the domestic diet of late? Les’s 36 made no difference to his handicap but will have pleased him, while Peter Marler’s 35 placed him third but also with no change.

Captain’s Day Champion in action.

Unfortunately, and it was not generally understood until too late, the subsequent Alfa Romeo day precluded any purely members prize giving so recipients are now forced to wait until the Turkey Trot lunch on December 2. Further disappointment for Les and Val Wicks, and Wendy Fretwell, who cannot be there.

We live in hope

Peter Hannam has now completed seven weeks proton beam treatment in Prague and is back home with wife Anne, both well known and popular members.
Time alone will tell whether his suffering will bring success, and relief, but for now the news is better and we all look forward to seeing them when they pop over to La Cala to celebrate the New Year with us.

The Reith Lectures

Listeners to, or watchers of BBC programmes will be more than familiar with this long annual event. Now,.following his recent debut presentation, there are some who see David Wilson as a potential challenger although, whereas BBC topics vary, David’s are likely to be limited by comparison. An aficionado of Rules, Regulations, and Scorecard completion, David arrived at a weekend prize giving recently armed with a multitude of manuals and challenged us all as to whether we had read them. Being in Spanish, and on subjects maybe not high on many members literary list, the resultant absence of a show of hands was not too surprising? However, by the end of his lecture, David will have frightened more than a few. It is amazing the number of things for which you can be disqualified. Not indicating on your card the colour of the tee you played from, for a start. The Blues have always done this, but now the yellows and reds are required to do the same. Handicaps must be correct, obviously, but it cannot be assumed that a poor round cost you a .01 increase. Cards should include both actual and slope handicaps. To hammer home his message David revealed that a goodly number of members could/should have been disqualified the previous Tuesday and, presumably, will be so punished in future. You have been warned.

Asbjorn Wangerud

It has come to our notice that this popular, long standing member has been poorly. More than poorly if you consider they found a tumor 7.5 x 4.5 cms inside his left heart chamber whilst doing a routine check. Thankfully, after surgery, it was found not to be malignant. Even so a shock to the system. We wish you well, Asbjorn, and hope to see you back in action here soon.

Not exactly a report

Our Ladies took to the fairways of Guadalhorce on the 13th where they were beaten 2-1. Jenny Chesterton and Alison Kirk chalking up our solitary success. Hopefully there will be something more meaty to tell us when the Ladies Liga and Seniors’ Final is held there on the 27th. He muttered hopefully.

Not that Monique again?

But yes, another success story, this time partnered by Dorothea Schmidt and at the expense of seasoned campaigners Sylvia Robbins and Liisa Lindstrom 4 & 2. Thus registering her second Knockout Championship win of the season.

Winners to the left

A kindly gesture

Peter Edstrom has been a hard working, efficient, human, good natured, and positive Captain. Unfortunately lacking a Lady counterpart, although Alison Kirk has contributed behind the scenes. One can now add the adjective ‘generous’ because players in the Captain’s Day Trophy on America, Tuesday 22nd, were each given a nice key ring bearing the La Cala logo. A long standing reminder of this highly popular figurehead whose speedy delivery of the English language can now be understood. Most of the time.

Insults

These come from an era before the English language got boiled down to 4-letter words.

Not an every day sight

Joop Peels, experiencing one of those morning-after-the-night-before rounds, mysteriously lost his provisional ball on Asia’s 14th during the Alfa Romeo competition. Needless to say he was keen to find it because, at the time, we thought stroke play meant every shot had to be counted. Silly us. Stretching his five minutes to the limit he suddenly shouted gleefully that he had found it. Head high in an ancient olive tree. What to do next? Not an every date occurrence? My suggestion that a one shot penalty drop and two club lengths was agreed and has subsequently been endorsed by our Swiss based Handicap maestro. Subject to the ball having been identified as Joops. Which it had.

A relieved and happier Joop

The walking winners

How long is it since two players walked their way to victory in the Mens’ Doubles Knockout Final? Not in recent memory, that’s for sure, but Les Wicks and Bob Rainbow might well be able to claim a record, as well as the trophy, after beating the fancied pair of Bruno Schaeffer and Frank Zelhuis. It was, it is claimed, “an epic battle, with the need to make birdies to win a hole or even half”. Two up after nine it was soon back to all square with Frank especially applying pressure. However, a makeable putt on the 17th was to prove costly, the winning margin being 2 & 1.

Distress in the roll-up ranks

Distraught is the word which comes to mind following the news that the much prized Golden Cap has gone missing. It is understood that the insurance company has been informed but the Guardia Civil not yet invited to investigate. Meanwhile rumours linking this unfortunate situation to Iain Macaulay are thought to have little substance. So far.

This should have been a fun day?

In fact it was not a Members’ event at all, although most of the participants were such. Instead, on Saturday the 25th, Campo Asia was called upon to host almost a hundred players, of mixed gender, in The Alfa Romeo Golf Challenge. Sleek, colourful, immaculate vehicles were on display. Pretty girls in attendance. Refreshments available on the course and at the card return desk afterwards. All players were given a gift, a good quality ball marker bearing the sponsor’s name, naturally.

There were also some very nice prizes presented after a complimentary lunch of assorted tapas. Altogether a well organised and generous visit, although it must be said that the playing format had everyone a bit confused initially. Stableford was mentioned prior to the event but the time sheet was headed Stroke Play which, in our game, means medal? In the end it got sorted out and many played both!

One minorpersonal gripe was the absence of any mention of tapas in the preceding publicity, although I later learned that “Cocktail” means tapas. Some others with whom one spoke also lacked this local knowledge. Fortunately the ever present, ever dependable Judi Lentelink was on hand to deputise with her camera in my gastronomic absence.
Wendy Warren and Jenny Chesterton took advantage of the offer to test drive a vehicle, swotted up their “Top Gear” vocabulary, and enjoyed the experience. As yet not seen anywhere near the showroom.

Eat your heart out, Jeremy Clarkson

There were lots of prize winners, as the group photograph below shows, and it is pleasing to report that all the main winners were members!

The overall champion was Past Captain Alan Jewett whose 39 points earned him an invitation to the European Finals Day in Italy next year. Well done, Alan.

Runner up in Category One and winner of the Seniors’ prize was John Brooks with 37.

Our very own Flavio Papa recorded a mean 35 but didn’t earn any reward and is not pictorially displayed because we see his smiling features often enough!
Category Two winner was Lilly Lagerwerf, with 37, but, as if that wasn’t enough, she also got a hole in one on the 3rd !!

It has been suggested that this month be renamed Monica instead of November. Certainly she has earned mention enough times to qualify for such an honour but today she had to settle with a normal prize for her 36 points.

Hole 17 was the one nominated for the official Nearest the Pin challenge and there was no mistake about the winner. Val Wick’s hole in one settled any discussion but didn’t stop Mike Fretwell adding his name to the card below hers even though the outcome could not have been clearer? Funny people about?

Richard Ledgard came in with the best Scratch Score of the day, 8 over, and is rapidly laying claim to being one of our very best players.

Spanish handicaps are a constant source of mirth on these occasions. One gentleman this time had a 36 handicap but played off 41. In such circumstances are lads and lasses did remarkably well.
Lesser awards, but very acceptable trophies, went to Pauline Hilliard, George Kirk, Cees Lagerwerf and Seppo Jaaskelainen

All good things come to an end

Overall it has been a lovely month in terms of weather but it is ending on a very wet note. Pictures taken this morning(29th)show America’s 15th fairway and 16th green. Where has the Spanish sunshine gone and, more importantly, when will it be back?

Male Champeen 2017

John Mills started his knockout campaign gently, strolling unchallenged through early rounds. Unfortunately, along the way, he lost his A game so, when it came to the crunch, David Wilson, who seldom travels without his A game, prevailed in the Final of the Mens’ Matchplay Competition, as the 5 & 4 scoreline would seem to indicate. No real report or picture of the contestants is to hand but it is with pleasure we congratulate David with one from the archives.

More insults

Are you still with us – and awake?

Here are the answers to Les’ questions.
No 1. B False. In stroke play if a competitor plays out of turn there is no penalty and the ball is played as it lies. However, if the Committee determines that competitors have agreed to play out of turn to give one of them an advantage they are disqualified. See rule 10-12
No 2. C – because the weight of evidence would indicate that the player did not cause the ball to move. So, no penalty and play from where ball lies.
No.3. B – The player was in breach of rule 13-2 the moment he moved the post. Replacement of the post was irrelevant.

Final insults

Turkey Trot supplement

Just as we thought November was done and dusted came the realisation that the annual Turkey Trot competition and dinner was better served being reported on now rather than in 2018. So, with Jose Miguel waiting to put us to bed tomorrow, comes this Sunday “report” on yesterday’s proceedings. Fortunately there is a wealth of photographic comment so captions will play a useful part at this late stage.

First of all it should be recorded that this was probably the coldest weather experienced this year. It was dry. It was sunny. Warm it was not. Never. Start to finish. A few outer layers were removed but, in the main, it was sweater time. A few daft or chronically macho men played in shorts but it was the ladies attire which took the breath away. And not just for temperature reasons. Despite a timely prod from Secretary Judi Lentelink the men again failed to rise to the occasion, unless you rate the odd red/white hat. Ultimately Geoff Thompson won the Best Dressed Man prize by virture of wearing a bow tie. ‘Nuff said? When did a man win a prize for Best Buggy?

The Ladies on the other hand, as is the case every year, put in a lot of effort and there was much colour and glam to be seen in the car park and in the restaurant later. Mary Evans caught the eye in her outfit of black, matching hair and lipstick. Gothic comes to mind but that may not be very flattering? What does one know of such things? Lilly Lagerwerf always cuts a striking figure, and did so again, but it was Annie Clarke who got the judges attention and, ultimately, the Best Dressed Lady award.

After their recent relationship with Alfa Romeo is was not too surprising that vehicle minded Wendy Jewett and Jenny Chesterton walked home with the Best Dressed Buggy prize, and deservedly so.
Those who were later thanked but got no presentation, included Filema O’Callaghan, husband Paul, and Helen Widegren who were responsible for the refreshment table behind tee 10. It must have been perishing to stand there for so long so we thank them both for the goodies and for their fortitude.

Nor should we forget Vice Captain Thomas Widegren who, although still in the lessening grip of ‘flu, was to be seen well wrapped up but with camera at the ready. We are grateful to him for some really good pictures.

Unfortunately, and the explanation is unclear as we write, there are no photos of the Longest Drive Winners, they being Ray Clarke(yellow tees), Peter Robinson(blue) and Sonya Foster(red).
The Turkey Trot best three teams are acknowledged in pictures to follow, the scores being evidence of some very good golf. Mention might just be made, albeit modestly, that the 3rd. placers registered four birdies on hole 4. With two members on two extra points it meant 3 for 5 x 2 = 10 points!! All thanks to a prodigious drive by Dean Moore which left everyone with putters in hand.
In the interests of honest reporting it has to be said that the post meal presentations were spoiled for many because of sound problems. A muffled microphone, table talk, and no line of sight for some. Pity because a lot of hard work goes into such occasions.

The meal was good, the service too, and the music provider sounded very accomplished, but by the time he was given a free hand some were heading for home. No information is to hand as to how long dancing and sing-a-long went on. Some, who shall be nameless, might now wish they had stayed on at the party and not chosen to watch Arsenal lose an important game.
As a result of the day long activities, Campo Asia 2/12/2017, it is hoped to show a surplus of approximately 450 euros which will be donated to Cudeca.

The Staple Singers have got it wrong with their latest hit. It’s not a question of “Who took the Merry out of Christmas”. Merry was never part of the equation. Joy and happiness were. We share a fair amount of both here at La Cala. Next up is the Captains’ Farewell Dinner at which both will be on parade again. It only seems five minutes since Peter Edstrom stepped into the breach?
There are lot of relevant pictures in no particular order but telling the story of an enjoyable day. Just click on the arrow to move on to the next.

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FELIZ NAVIDAD

As this is the last pre-Christmas newsletter it is appropriate, on behalf of the Captain, Committee, Webmaster José Miguel, and myself to wish all members a very happy festive period and then, let us hope, a healthy and peaceful year to come.